Back Pain Treatment

Because your spine provides structure and support for your entire body, injuries and pain can be incredibly common. From herniated discs to more complex disorders, our specialists offer comprehensive care for all types of back issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Back Conditions

Perhaps you felt a sudden twinge of pain while lifting boxes, or your discomfort grew gradually from all those hours spent sitting at your desk. No matter the cause, back pain can be extremely disruptive to your everyday life.

Back pain often only worsens when left untreated. If you've been dealing with any of these symptoms, it might be time to talk to specialist about your back pain:

• Sharp, persistent back pain
• Radiating pain from the neck to the arm/hand
• Radiating pain from the back to the leg/foot
• Difficulty bending over or rotating your lower back
• Pain that worsens when you stand, walk, or perform light activity, and that is relieved by sitting
• Muscle tightness or spasm
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
• Nagging pain after episodes of heavy lifting
• Nerve or dexterity issues in the arms and hands

Types of Back Conditions

The vertebrae in your back can cause any number of back issues, but most back pain symptoms are caused by inflammation due to either overuse or acute injury. Because different sources of back pain call for different treatments, it is important to consult with an expert to determine the best course of action for your condition.

At Virtua, we take a team approach to your care. That means our orthopedic specialists, sports medicine specialists, neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, and physical therapists collaborate to treat a range of back conditions, including:

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
• Herniated cervical discs
• Herniated lumbar discs
• Spondylosis
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Fractures and sprains
• Spinal tumors (malignant and benign)
• Synovial cysts (fluid-filled sacs that develop along the spine)
• Whiplash

Our Approach to Back Pain

During your initial consultation, our back specialists will perform a thorough exam of any area causing you pain. We'll measure your range of motion, check for swelling or tenderness, and gauge the structural integrity of your back.

From there, we might recommend additional testing to confirm a diagnosis, including:

• X-ray: This common test can detect arthritis, fractures, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and other spine conditions. 
• MRI or CT scan: These tests will capture clear images that can show herniated discs or issues affecting your bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels.
• Blood tests: We might order this screening to see if an infection is causing you pain./li>
• Electromyography (EMG): This nerve study measures the pressure on your nerves which can confirm a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Back Pain Treatment

Your spine is complex, intricate, and impressive. It protects your spinal cord, plays a vital role in your movements, and connects your brain to the rest of your body. That's why you need a team of specialists that have a deep understanding of this unique structure.

Our experienced specialists will develop personalized treatment plans that focus on your goals and lifestyle. Depending on the severity of your condition, here's how we might approach your care:

• Physical therapy: Our team of therapists will develop strength-building exercises and activities that can improve motion and flexibility in your back.
• Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections could help with pain and arthritis-related symptoms in your spine. We can also help manage and modify prescriptions as needed.
• Surgery: If nonsurgical treatment methods are not helping, surgery might be the best option. Through our own team of orthopedic spine surgeons and collaboration with Penn Medicine neurosurgeons through the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Neurosciences Program, you'll gain access to the region's best spine surgeons and services.